Backyard recreational fires (fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces) are permitted in Springfield under Chapter 94 and the adopted International Fire Code, but only with dry wood or charcoal, kept to a 3-foot diameter and 2-foot height, constantly attended with extinguishing means at hand, burned between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., and not during winds over 20 mph or high fire danger.
Springfield's Fire Safety Division permits backyard recreational fires but imposes uniform conditions on all properties. The fire must use only dry wood or charcoal fuel; be kept to a manageable size of 3-foot diameter or less and 2-foot height or less; have extinguishing capability (garden hose or fire extinguisher) readily available; be constantly attended until completely extinguished; be kept between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.; not be conducted during high winds in excess of 20 mph; not be conducted during times of high fire danger; and present no imminent health hazard to persons in the area. Fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces are both classified as recreational fires; portable outdoor fireplaces have a 15-foot setback from structures/combustibles versus 25 feet for fire pits (single-family and duplex homes are exempt from the distance rules). Burning yard waste, garbage, or construction debris is never allowed.
A backyard fire exceeding the size limits, left unattended, burning prohibited materials, or run outside the 7 a.m.-11 p.m. window may be ordered extinguished by the Springfield Fire Safety Division and cited as a violation of Chapter 94 and the International Fire Code.
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